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Economic Welfare of Refugees and Nationals in Kenya: A Comparative Panel Data Analysis

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  • Suleiman Hassan Maalim

    (Department of Social Sciences, Chuka University, Chuka P.O. Box 109-60400, Kenya)

Abstract

This study investigates the economic welfare of refugees and host communities in Kenya, utilizing bi-monthly panel data collected from May 2020 to May 2022. The analysis employs a fixed effect model, which effectively captures the nuances of welfare differences between urban and camp refugees. The key findings reveal that income and economic participation are critical determinants of welfare, with urban refugees exhibiting greater sensitivity to income fluctuations compared to their camp counterparts. Larger household sizes negatively impact welfare, while education levels and gender dynamics play pivotal roles. This study emphasizes the need for tailored interventions for economic empowerment, particularly for women-headed households, and highlights the importance of partnerships between NGOs and local governments. Overall, this research enhances the understanding of refugee welfare in Kenya and provides actionable policy suggestions aimed at promoting equity and integration.

Suggested Citation

  • Suleiman Hassan Maalim, 2025. "Economic Welfare of Refugees and Nationals in Kenya: A Comparative Panel Data Analysis," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:7:p:183-:d:1686697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bruce D. Meyer & Nikolas Mittag, 2019. "Using Linked Survey and Administrative Data to Better Measure Income: Implications for Poverty, Program Effectiveness, and Holes in the Safety Net," American Economic Journal: Applied Economics, American Economic Association, vol. 11(2), pages 176-204, April.
    2. Schmidt, Emily & Dorosh, Paul A. & Gilbert, Rachel, 2020. "Rice price shocks and household welfare in Papua New Guinea," Papua New Guinea project notes 6, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
    3. Traore, Breima & Traore, Anna, . "Determinants of Household Food Expenditure in Mali: A Quintile Regression Approach," International Journal of Food and Agricultural Economics (IJFAEC), Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Department of Economics and Finance, vol. 11(01).
    4. Wolle, Abdulazize & Hirvonen, Kalle & de Brauw, Alan & Baye, Kaleab & Abate, Gashaw T., 2020. "Household food consumption patterns in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia," ESSP working papers 139, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
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